Many times, participation in a large ensemble like band or orchestra is not enough for a student to reach their maximum potential. Every student has individual musical strengths and weaknesses that cannot be fully addressed in class, but can be nurtured in private lessons. In order for our students and ensembles to maximize growth, we suggest all students spend time studying their instrument with a private instructor on a weekly basis. Here at CLA, we have dedicated teachers who offer private music lessons at reasonable rates. If you are interested in lessons, please contact the teacher to discuss lesson times and payments. If you need a lesson on an instrument not listed, please contact Mr. Held at
and he can make some recommendations.

Mrs. Rebecca Baer - beginning violin

Mrs. Baer is one of our kindergarten teachers who has a passion for seeing young students fall in love with the violin. She started the KinderStrings program at CLA a few years ago and now has over 40 violinists who meet for group rehersals each week. In addition, she also gives individual lessons to young beginning violin students after school.

Mrs. Sophia Hsiao - beginning to advanced violin

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Mrs. Hsiao graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a teacher and performer based in Arlington Heights where she teaches students of all ages in her home. Her teaching style is a combination of the Suzuki method and traditional method and she loves seeing her students grow in their skill and musical development. She was a violin instructor at the Des Plaines School of Music from 2014-2017 and has been a member of the Fox Valley Orchestra since 2017. You can learn more about her studio at sophiahsiaostudio.

Mr. Charles Li - beginning to advanced violin

Mr. Li is a professional violinist who has been teaching kids and adults in the U.S. and abroad for over 25 years. He has been an artist in residence and held various professorships. He holds a B.A. in music performance from Oberlin, and a Masters in violin performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and was a graduate assistant to John Kendall, one of the founding fathers of the Suzuki Method in America. He is registered with the Suzuki Association of the Americas to teach the Suzuki violin method for all 10 books. Mr. Li is the Director of the Liberty Strings, Middle School Orchestra, and also leads the high school orchestra string sectionals each week at CLA. He teaches privately on site after school. Mr. Li is lead instructor of Chicago WISH, an outreach of Chicago West Community Music Center for inner city youth, and is also on the ministerial staff of The Life Church of Glenview, a missions church endeavoring to plant seven campuses and transform Chicago-land with the power of Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Criser is an experienced pianist, singer and teacher. She has extensive experience in all styles of sacred music, including classical, traditional, contemporary, praise and worship, and chord charts. Although she uses a classical approach she teaches all styles of music. Each student receives specialized, individual instruction according to age, ability and style preferences. Her goal is not only to teach musical skill but also a deep love and enjoyment of music. As a published composer, she continues to write on a free lance basis for churches and other groups such as Betty Haag Academy of Music.

Mrs. Sharon Rubel - beginning to level 5 piano

Mrs. Rubel teaches Bible, Music, and Drama to our younger students here at CLA. In addition to directing plays and music performances, she teaches private piano lessons here at school. Bringing many years of teaching and playing experience to each lesson, her instruction has been the launching point for many students into the world of the performing arts.

Mr. Ian McGarrie - beginning to advanced Flute/Saxophone/Clarinet

Cell# 847-656-6944 or email

Mr. McGarrie, a Chicago native, is a professional woodwind teacher and performer. As a member of the teaching faculty at Harper Community College and a number of other local schools, it is our privilege to have him as an addition to our private lesson faculty. While Mr. McGarrie has a deep love and knowledge of Jazz music, he is a proficient performer and teacher of many other styles of woodwind playing. To learn more, visit www.ianmcgarrie.com. Contact Mr. McGarrie for lesson time availability.

Mr. Victor Yang – beginning to intermediate guitar

Mr. Yang is the computer teacher here at CLA and also one of chapel leaders for 1st - 3rd graders, where he leads the children in praise & worship by guitar. He has a passion for worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth and has played the guitar for over 20 years and has been a worship team leader at church. His love for singing to the Lord was what led him to study the guitar, and it's his hope that will be your story too! Mr. Yang is available after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Email him to discuss further.

Mr. Peter Held - beginning to advanced French horn; beginning to intermediate trumpet

Direct school # 224-836-1681 or email

Mr. Held teaches general music and conducts the Orchestra and Beginning Band here at CLA. In addition to his work with the music classes and ensembles at the school he also teaches private lessons on his primary instruments, the French Horn and Trumpet. Mr. Held is available for lessons before or after school most days of the week.